Some artists make their own inks with local and found materials, often using gum arabic as a binder.Ĭolours in inks are either made from dyes or pigments.

Water based inks use binders such as gum arabic or shellac and do not always dry fully waterproof.

They have strong colours but are less lightfast and do not mix well with other inks.

Alcohol based inks are mixed with dye and can be diluted or reawakened with alcohol.

Acrylic based inks are basically a very fluid paint, and is mixed with pigments.

Oil based inks are usually used for printmaking.

The base for making inks can be oil, alcohol, gum arabic or acrylic. The main choices to make here are what pens you like to work with, and if the ink is waterproof or not.įor painting and artwork there is a vast assortment of black and coloured inks on the market.

Pens holding ink, such as fine liners, fude pens and fountain pens are normally used for drawing and sketching. Inks come in many different forms depending on how you want to use it.

It’s easy to use and offers many options for experimenting with colours, shapes and textures. Ink can be an exciting addition to your drawing and painting practice.

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